News

February 14, 2019 at 4:41 PM

Cardiff North Assembly Member Julie Morgan and MP Anna McMorrin have re-iterated calls to Cardiff Bus to halt its planned cuts to bus routes in the north of the city which will have a “devastating impact” on their constituents.

The pair, who both represent the area of Cardiff North, have worked together to raise concerns after constituents contacted them in their droves about proposed cuts to vital links across the city.

The Cardiff North representatives met the management team at Cardiff Bus on February 4 to stress that the decision would have a devastating impact on Cardiff North residents. Many rely on these services, particularly the #86 that travels from Cardiff City Centre via Heath, near the University Hospital of Wales, and on to Llanishen and Lisvane.

Unable to find a solution, Julie and Anna took the issue to Leader of Cardiff Council, Huw Thomas, and Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning & Transport, Caro Wild (pictured above). The pair described this as a “proactive meeting” to emphasise that adequate public transport in a fast-paced Capital City is vital and must be protected.

Julie Morgan AM said: “Constituents have described the bus service to me as a ‘lifeline’ for people without a car, particularly older people. We cannot let people become isolated and unable to get around our city, whether they are young, old or unwaged.

“Myself and Anna understand the financial issues, and we know that it is not easy to find a solution in difficult times like these, but public transport is vital for people’s health and well-being. We also want to encourage ‘active travel’ and the use of public transport to get people out of their cars. Cutting services sends the wrong message and has a detrimental impact,” she added.

Whilst talks are ongoing, Anna McMorrin MP says, “Many Cardiff North constituents have contacted me following the announcement to reduce Cardiff Bus services, expressing significant concerns for the problems this would cause. I am particularly worried for service users with mobility difficulties who use the service to access family, friends and vital services.”

“Having met with Cardiff Council, I understand the considerable budget constraints that they face due to year on year cuts because of the UK Government’s austerity policy. However, it is vital that bus routes like the #86 are not lost as it will only exacerbate the pressures on our current infrastructure, which is already struggling with the increasing traffic and parking issues.”

“Julie Morgan AM and I will continue to work with Cardiff Council and Cardiff Bus to find a solution. We are committed to protecting public transport, and ambitious for sustainable travel across the Cardiff City for everyone.”